Mary Mitchell O'Connor (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Everything is being done diplomatically for Ibrahim Halawa. For example, various submissions have been made to the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade by different lawyers and non-governmental organisations. At all times, the key question guiding our approach is what stands the best chance of securing positive progress for Ibrahim Halawa at the earliest possible opportunity. The Government has been in contact with other states which have had citizens in similar situations. It is the Government's considered approach, supported by decades of diplomatic experience and extensive consultation with these states, that our diplomatic efforts still represent the best means of achieving the twin goals of protecting Ibrahim Halawa's welfare and securing his release at the earliest opportunity.

His next hearing is scheduled for 29 June. Embassy officials will be in attendance, as they have been at every hearing of his trial, to monitor and to report on developments on the day. There has been frequent and ongoing communication with his family members through our embassy in Cairo and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade headquarters in Dublin.

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